What should Christians do when neither presidential candidate aligns with their values?  I’ve heard sincere believers say, “I just can’t vote for someone who is blatantly immoral, dishonest, egotistical, and hedonistic.  I might just sit this one out or vote third-party to make a statement.”

Of course, I wonder which of the candidates they are referring to since both have questionable pasts, and neither embodies godly character.  But I understand why many Christians are disillusioned this year.  It’s difficult to stand before the ballot box with such limited choices.  Our vote should reflect our values, our convictions, and our understanding of God’s will for our nation.

However, this election, like every election, presents Christians with both challenges and opportunities.  While we are not of the world, we are called to engage with it (see Matthew 5:13-16).  Discouragement shouldn’t lead us to retreat from the public square.  Could it be that one of the reasons there are no honorable choices for the office of President is that too many Christians have become disengaged?  Our participation is not about seeking power but about being faithful witnesses to Christ’s truth, justice, and mercy.

We live in a fallen world, which means that every candidate, every party, and every policy will have flaws.  No political party or candidate will fully reflect the values of God’s kingdom-not even a third-party candidate.  But that doesn’t mean we should refuse to participate altogether. Instead, we should prayerfully choose the candidate who most closely aligns with biblical principles—knowing that this decision will often require compromise and careful consideration.  We are not selecting a savior—only Christ holds that title.

When the options seem imperfect, we must discern which candidate will best promote justice, uphold righteousness, and protect the most vulnerable in our population—the unborn. We may not find a perfect candidate, but we can look for one who will do the greatest good, seek justice, and minimize harm.

I believe the most pressing political issue of our time is the protection of the unborn.  Christ used very strong language about the consequences for those who fail to protect children, and I believe we will all be held accountable to God for how we respond to the issue of abortion.  In this election, one candidate supports unrestricted abortion, a position entirely at odds with biblical teaching.  On the other hand, while the other candidate is not fully pro-life and has supported exceptions, he was instrumental in appointing Supreme Court Justices who ultimately overturned Roe vs. Wade.  Despite his flaws, this significant achievement in the fight for life cannot be overlooked.

However, abortion is not the only critical issue at stake.  We are also navigating an era where religious liberty, the sanctity of marriage, and the protection of children from sinful sexual ideologies are being fiercely debated.  Christians should carefully consider where candidates’ stances on these issues can significantly diverge from a Christian moral ethic.  In a culture that increasingly opposes biblical values, our vote should reflect a clear commitment to Biblical truth and righteousness—even when the choices are imperfect.

The Bible is full of examples of God working through flawed individuals to fulfill His purposes.  Samson was deeply flawed, yet God used him to deliver Israel.  King Cyrus was an unbeliever, but God used him to free His people from captivity and rebuild Jerusalem.  Let’s pray that God will use an imperfect president to slow the moral and social decline that has become so pervasive.

Finally, let’s remember that our ultimate hope does not rest in any candidate, political party, or election outcome.  Our hope is in the Lord, who is sovereign over all creation.  He has promised to work all things for the good of those who love Him (see Romans 8:28).  Whatever the results of this election, God’s kingdom will endure, His promises will remain true, and His love will never fail.

So, as you prepare to vote, do so with prayer, wisdom, and a heart focused on Christ.  Let’s trust that God is at work, even in the messiness of politics, and that He will use all things for His purposes.  And hold on to the hope that no matter who occupies the Oval Office, Christ is still King.